A 'Major' Shift

For those looking to pursue a career in the health care field, consider your newest option: a Bachelor of Science degree in Health, Fitness, and Wellness from Stout. In today’s society, unhealthy lifestyles are an all-too-common occurrence. An estimated 34 percent of Americans are obese, and close to 2 million people will be diagnosed with diabetes this year alone, according to the American Diabetes Association. Graduates of this program will be prepared to battle this modern epidemic by promoting proper nutrition and fitness in a plethora of settings. The rising popularity of minors in health education and health and fitness prompted the addition of Stout’s 40th major. The program will differ from similar ones in the UW system due to its emphasis on preventative health and wellness promotion, as opposed to the curative medicine approach most programs center around. Coursework is mostly in the fields of physical education, nutrition, and psychology, with a minor emphasis in business. Graduates can expect to work for places like insurance companies, hospitals, and corporations, assisting individuals and communities in the development and management of good nutrition practices and overall fitness in the context of today’s society. With a bachelor’s degree fast becoming a requirement in the field and an estimated 30% increase in jobs over the next four years, those looking to stick around the Chippewa Valley will find a high placement rate and will foreseeably increase the already above-average fitness level of our community.